12 Days Tanzania & Zanzibar Islands Standard Holiday
Best Travel Period: Year Round
Route: Arusha | Tarangire | Serengeti | Ngorongoro Crater | Lake Manyara | lake Eyasi | Zanzibar Islands
12 Days of Wildlife, Culture, Adventure & Tropical Bliss
A 12 Days Tanzania & Zanzibar Standard Holiday offers a wonderfully balanced journey through Tanzania, combining unforgettable wildlife encounters, authentic cultural experiences, spectacular landscapes, and relaxing island life. With twelve days, there is enough time to explore the mainland at a comfortable pace before heading to Zanzibar for a well-deserved tropical escape. This is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an authentic Tanzanian experience without the high cost of a luxury holiday.
On the mainland, enjoy exciting game drives through some of Tanzania’s most wildlife-rich areas, with opportunities to see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, hippos, antelopes, and diverse birdlife. The journey can also include meaningful cultural experiences such as village visits, local food experiences, traditional activities, and opportunities to learn about Tanzania’s communities and heritage. Each day brings a different perspective of the country, from open savannahs to fascinating local traditions.
The final part of the journey takes you to Zanzibar, where warm Indian Ocean waters, white-sand beaches, historic Stone Town, and vibrant Swahili culture create the perfect contrast to your safari adventure. Explore spice farms, discover local coastal life, wander through historic streets, or simply relax by the beach. With comfortable standard accommodation, local experiences, wildlife adventures, and island relaxation, this 12-day Tanzania & Zanzibar holiday delivers an unforgettable combination of safari, culture, and tropical paradise at excellent value.
Arrival Day: Welcome to Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Hagen Adventures representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a comfortable drive through the beautiful surroundings of northern Tanzania while receiving a brief introduction to your upcoming safari.
After checking in, the rest of the day is free to relax and recover from your journey. Take the opportunity to enjoy the hotel facilities and prepare for the exciting safari adventure that awaits you with Hagen Adventures.
- Overnight:
- Tulia Boutique Hotel – Standard
- The Arusha Hotel By Sheraton – Luxury
- Gran Melia Hotel – High-End
- Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Your safari begins with a morning pick-up in Arusha by your professional Hagen Adventures safari guide. After a short briefing, drive through the beautiful countryside toward Tarangire National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive through a landscape of ancient baobab trees, open savannah and seasonal waterways. Tarangire is especially famous for its large elephant herds, while giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs and numerous bird species can also be seen. With luck, you may encounter lions and other predators. After a picnic lunch, continue exploring the park before heading to your lodge or camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Overnight:
- Siafu Serenity Lodge – Standard
- Manyara Secret Lodge – Luxury
- &Beyong Lake Manyara Tree Lodge – High-end
- Meal Plan: Full-Board.
Day 2: Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful park set beneath the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment. Enjoy a game drive through diverse habitats ranging from groundwater forests and open grasslands to the shores of Lake Manyara. The park is home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, monkeys and an impressive variety of birdlife. Lake Manyara is also known for its tree-climbing lions, although sightings are not guaranteed. After exploring the park, continue toward your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Overnight:
- Siafu Serenity Lodge – Standard
- Manyara Secret Lodge – Luxury
- &Beyong Lake Manyara Tree Lodge – High-end
- Meal Plan: Full-Board.
Day 3: Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey toward the legendary Serengeti National Park. The route takes you through the scenic highlands and eventually opens into the vast plains of the Serengeti. As you enter the park, your safari continues with game viewing along the way to Central Serengeti. This region offers excellent opportunities to see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas and other wildlife. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before arriving at your lodge or safari camp for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the Serengeti.
- Overnight:
- KumbuKumbu Tented Lodge – Standard
- Lahia Tented Lodge – Luxury
- Four Season Serengeti Lodge – High-End
- Meal Plan: Full-Board.
Day 4: Full-Day Serengeti National Park
Today is dedicated to a full-day safari in the Serengeti. After an early breakfast, set out with your guide for a day of exploring the vast plains, carrying a picnic lunch so you can spend more time in the wilderness. Depending on the season and wildlife movements, you may encounter large herds of wildebeest and zebra, as well as lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes and numerous bird species. Your experienced guide will select the best areas based on current sightings and road conditions. The early morning and late afternoon provide particularly beautiful light for photography and wildlife viewing before returning to your accommodation for dinner and another overnight stay.
- Overnight:
- KumbuKumbu Tented Lodge – Standard
- Lahia Tented Lodge – Luxury
- Four Season Serengeti Lodge – High-End
- Meal Plan: Full-Board.
Day 5: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Lake Eyasi
Begin the day with an early morning drive from the Serengeti toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The morning offers another chance to observe wildlife before leaving the Serengeti. Continue to the Ngorongoro Crater and descend into the crater for an exciting game drive. The crater supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife, including lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and, with luck, the endangered black rhinoceros. After a picnic lunch and further exploration, ascend from the crater and continue toward Lake Eyasi. Arrive at your accommodation in the evening, where you can relax and enjoy dinner in the peaceful surroundings.
- Overnight:
- Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge – Standard
- Ziwani Lodge – Luxury
- Meal Plan: Full-Board.
Day 6: Lake Eyasi Cultural Experience – Zanzibar Islands
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the unique environment and culture around Lake Eyasi. Depending on local availability and the arrangements included in your safari, you may have the opportunity to visit local communities and learn about traditional ways of life, including the cultures and traditions of the Hadzabe and Datoga people. This provides a different perspective on Tanzania beyond the wildlife experience. After the morning activity and lunch, begin your journey back toward Arusha for your onward flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you will be welcomed by your local representative and transferred to your beach hotel. Settle in, enjoy your first views of the Indian Ocean and relax after your safari journey. The evening is free to enjoy the beach, hotel facilities and beautiful tropical surroundings.
- Overnight:
- Nungwi Beach Resort – Standard
- Nungwi Dreams By Mantis – Luxury
- Zuri Hotel – High-end
- Meal Plan: Half-Board.
Day 7: Zanzibar – Full Day at Leisure
Wake up to your first full day in Zanzibar. Enjoy a relaxed morning on the beach, swim in the warm Indian Ocean or simply unwind at your hotel. You may also choose an optional island activity such as a snorkeling trip, a dhow cruise or a visit to a nearby village. The day is designed to give you time to relax and enjoy Zanzibar at your own pace.
- Overnight:
- Nungwi Beach Resort – Standard
- Nungwi Dreams By Mantis – Luxury
- Zuri Hotel – High-end
- Meal Plan: Half-Board.
Day 8: Zanzibar – Island Experience
Enjoy another full day discovering the beauty of Zanzibar. Depending on your interests, you can choose an optional excursion such as a Spice Farm Tour, where you can learn about the island’s famous spices and tropical plants, or a marine experience exploring the surrounding waters. Alternatively, spend the entire day relaxing on the beach and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of your resort.
- Overnight:
- Nungwi Beach Resort – Standard
- Nungwi Dreams By Mantis – Luxury
- Zuri Hotel – High-end
- Meal Plan: Half-Board.
Day 9: Zanzibar – Stone Town & Cultural Discovery
Today offers an opportunity to discover Zanzibar’s fascinating history and culture. Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its narrow streets, historic buildings, colorful markets and distinctive Swahili architecture. Visit important landmarks and learn about the island’s rich blend of African, Arab, Indian and European influences. After the tour, return to your beach accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening by the ocean.
- Overnight:
- Nungwi Beach Resort – Standard
- Nungwi Dreams By Mantis – Luxury
- Zuri Hotel – High-end
- Meal Plan: Half-Board.
Day 10&11: Zanzibar – Full Day Beach Relaxation
Enjoy your final full days in Zanzibar at leisure. Take a long walk along the beach, swim in the turquoise waters, enjoy a spa treatment or simply relax beneath the tropical sun. This day provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the peaceful side of your Tanzania holiday before your departure.
- Overnight:
- Nungwi Beach Resort – Standard
- Nungwi Dreams By Mantis – Luxury
- Zuri Hotel – High-end
- Meal Plan: Half-Board.
Day 12: Zanzibar – Airport Transfer
After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Zanzibar before checking out according to your flight schedule. Your private transfer will take you to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight. Your Hagen Adventures representative will assist you with the transfer and wish you a safe journey home, marking the end of your unforgettable Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday.
Safari Inclusions:
This Safari has been thoughtfully designed to include everything needed for a seamless and comfortable experience:
- All Accommodation as specified in the itinerary (boutique hotels, lodges, and tented camps).
- All Meals during the safari (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner as per itinerary)
- Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing
- Professional English-Speaking Safari Guide/Driver throughout the trip
- All Park Entry Fees & Conservation Fees
- Cultural Visits & Activities including: Hadzabe Bushmen experience at Lake Eyasi
- Datoga tribe community visit
- Maasai village experience at Lake Natron
- All Airport Transfers (arrival & departure)
- Bottled Drinking Water throughout the safari
- Government Taxes & VAT
- Medical Expenses or emergency evacuation costs
- Domestic Flights
Safari Exclusions
The following items are not included and should be budgeted for separately:
- International Flights
- Visa Fees for Tanzania
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional Activities, including: Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti National Park ($.550/person)
- Alcoholic & Soft Drinks (unless specified by the lodge)
- Personal Expenses (laundry, souvenirs, telephone calls, etc.)
- Tips & Gratuities for guide, driver, and lodge staff (Recommended: $20–$30 per group per day for guide)
- Any Additional Accommodation or Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Extra Charges due to Changes in Government Taxes or Park Fees
1. Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
Experience the Serengeti from a completely different perspective with an early morning hot air balloon safari. As the sun rises over the endless plains, you’ll drift silently above herds of wildebeests, zebras, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife. The peaceful flight offers spectacular panoramic views and incredible photographic opportunities. After landing, enjoy a champagne-style bush breakfast before continuing your safari adventure.
2. Interaction with Maasai Communities
Step beyond the wildlife and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Maasai people. Visit a traditional Maasai village, where you’ll be welcomed with songs and dances before learning about their customs, daily life, and centuries-old traditions. Explore their homes, discover their unique way of living alongside wildlife, and browse handcrafted jewelry and souvenirs while supporting local artisans.
3. Community Development Projects
Gain a deeper understanding of Tanzania by visiting community-led development initiatives that create lasting social impact. Depending on your location, you may visit local schools, women’s cooperatives, vocational training centers, healthcare projects, or conservation programs. Meet community members, learn how tourism contributes to improving livelihoods, and see firsthand how your visit supports sustainable development and responsible travel.
4. Night Game Safari
Discover the African wilderness after dark on a thrilling night game drive in one of Tanzania’s designated parks or private concessions. Accompanied by an experienced guide and spotlight, search for elusive nocturnal wildlife rarely seen during the day, including bush babies, porcupines, genets, civets, aardvarks, owls, and even predators such as lions or leopards beginning their nightly hunt. The sounds and atmosphere of the bush at night create a truly unforgettable safari experience.
All rates quoted are in US Dollars and are per person based on group size:
| Standard Safari | Luxury Safari | High-End Safari |
2 – 3Pax | 5,116 | 8,064 | 13,349 |
4 – 5Pax | 4,465 | 7,413 | 12,698 |
6+ Pax | 4,248 | 7,196 | 12,481 |
Child Policy:
- Children (When shared a room with Adult) are paid 50% of Adults rate – Children are considered to be 5 to 15 years.
- Children (When shared their own room) are paid 75% of Adults rates.
- Children under 5 years are free of Charge.
Rooming:
- 2Pax – 1 Double Room.
- 3Pax – 2 Rooms – 1 Double & 1 Single.
- 4Pax – 2 Double Rooms.
- 5Pax – 2 Double Rooms & 1 Single Room.
- 6Pax – 3 Double Rooms.
- 7Pax – 3 Double Rooms & 1 Single Room.
Different room arrangement is available on Request.
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